Expertise

Bail Hearings And Appeals

If police do not release an individual following an arrest, a bail hearing needs to take place, usually within 24 hours. At these times, seeking skilled legal counsel who can act quickly and effectively is critical. Failing to obtain bail could mean immediate and significant impact — to your family, your job and also on the trajectory of your criminal case.

The criminal law attorneys at Der Barristers have decades of experience and a proven track record helping clients protect their liberty during bail hearings and appeals. If your freedom is on the line, contact us immediately for help.

Effectively Negotiating A Release

Our lawyers know what is needed to make it successfully through bail court — even in complex cases. With experience both as Crown Prosecutors and criminal defence lawyers, we can quickly assess the facts and assemble a compelling case aimed at securing your release.

With a range of bail options available, we aim for a result to maximize your freedom while your case works its way through the justice system. We will prepare you, and individuals providing surety, to speak effectively before the judge. Beyond simply gaining your release, we will also negotiate strategically to ensure that the conditions are reasonable.

Our lawyers are also experienced in appeals where bail has been denied. Your circumstances may have changed since the initial bail hearing, or the judge may have made an error in judgment. Whatever the challenge, we are ready to fight for your rights with assertiveness and skill.

Contact Our Lawyers Without Delay

Obtaining skilled legal counsel for bail hearings is as important as it is urgent. Our lawyers are nimble, experienced and ready to step in and represent you. Call our office in Calgary, Alberta, at 403-234-8824 or reach us by email to talk with our lawyers.

Defending Against Assault Charges Of All Kinds

Being convicted of assault in Canada is serious. If found guilty, you face a criminal record and possible incarceration. A successful defence often lies within the fine details of a case. 

As a boutique firm that practises exclusively in criminal defence, Der Barristers can help. Clients come to us for our breadth and depth of experience. Our lawyers have served on both sides of criminal cases — both prosecution and defence. We use this comprehensive insight to create solid defence strategies for clients in Calgary, Alberta, and throughout Canada. 

Navigating The Issues Of Intent And Consent

Defining assault is not always straightforward. Assault doesn’t necessarily require that a victim suffer serious harm. Sometimes, a threat may be sufficient. A conviction requires establishing two basic elements. First, the threat or actual force applied by the accused must be intentional. Second, the force must be applied without the victim’s consent. There may be defences based on consent, lack of intent or self-defence. The burden of proof lies on the prosecution.

As former Crown prosecutors ourselves, our lawyers know how to thoroughly scrutinize all factual and legal details to uncover defences. We can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and use them in an effort to have the charges withdrawn altogether. 

Advocating For Optimal Outcomes

The penalties for assault vary according the type and severity of charges. Our lawyers are tenacious and have a proven track record of success in fighting: 

• Simple assault
• Assault causing bodily harm
• Aggravated assault
• Assault with a weapon
• Murder and manslaughter
• Domestic violence

If a conviction is unavoidable, we will continue to act as your strongest advocate. We will guide you through the justice system, pursue all available options and work to reduce the impact on your life and future.   

Arrange A Case Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Discuss your charges with our Calgary assault lawyers. We’ll answer your questions, explain what you’re facing and outline what we can do to fight your case. Call 403-234-8824 or send us an email to book a confidential meeting. 

Fighting Domestic Assault Charges

Consequences for domestic assault go beyond jail time and fines. The effects can extend into your personal life. A domestic assault charge may prevent you from having contact with the alleged victim. It can also prohibit you from returning to the residence in which the incident took place. You may be unable to see your children. When facing this situation, it is crucial to have experienced lawyers at your side.

The attorneys at Der Barristers have over 55 years of collective criminal defence experience. We have defended thousands of clients against serious criminal charges at all levels of court. We leverage this experience and knowledge to fight for the best possible results in your case.

Using Our Experience To Clients’ Advantage

A charge of domestic assault or criminal harassment can end up in a criminal record. This can seriously impede your ability to travel to the United States and overseas. It can also impact future employment, as many employers now conduct a criminal background check before hiring.

Our lawyers are former Crown prosecutors, as well as criminal defence attorneys with decades of experience in court. With this background and insight, we understand what kind of case the prosecution is likely to present against you. We analyze the facts of your case, review the disclosure and build a case aimed at achieving more lenient penalties and avoiding a criminal record.

Minimizing The Consequences

When seeking a solution for our clients, the Der Barristers team is dedicated, tenacious and creative. We work tirelessly to represent their interests. Our lawyers are always searching for solutions aimed at helping you avoid the lifelong consequences of a criminal charge.

We rely on our extensive knowledge of criminal law to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the Crown’s case. We then prepare a targeted strategy that may include alternatives, such as a peace bond deal or diversion program, if appropriate. We also have a good working relationship with the prosecution. This enables us to more effectively negotiate a more favourable outcome.

Schedule A Confidential Consultation With Our Lawyers

We can represent you in your domestic assault matter. Call our Calgary, Alberta, office at 403-234-8824 or use our convenient online form to email us.

Sexual Assault — Solid Defences For Complex Cases

Sexual assault cases can be extraordinarily complex. Cases can turn not only factual details, but particularly on the credibility of the complainant and the accused. Meticulous case preparation is crucial to making a strong defence in court.

At Der Barristers, our criminal law attorneys have been fighting sexual assault cases for years. We have the added advantage of having served as former Crown prosecutors. We understand these cases from all angles and want to use that knowledge to help you make a strong defence.

Navigating the Issue of Consent

One of the most important questions in sexual assault cases is whether the activity was consensual. The onus is on the prosecution to prove that it was not.

As lawyers with depth of experience and breadth of insight, we can identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and skillfully raise a reasonable doubt on the testimony of the complainant.

Strategic Representation In A Range Of Sexual Assault Charges

When you turn to us for legal representation, we will scrutinize your case. If defences exist, we will uncover them. We work closely with our clients and will prepare you thoroughly to face tough cross examination. As former Crown prosecutors, we know how to anticipate their strategies and can guide you on how to testify before judge and jury.

Our lawyers represent clients in Calgary, Alberta, and across the country at all levels of court. With decades of experience backing our practice, there is virtually no area of criminal law in which we have not been involved.

No matter how complex your case, we can step in as your advocate and prepare you to face a range of sex crime charges such as:

• Sexual assault
• Rape
• Sexual exploitation
• Sexual interference
• Aggravated sexual assault
• Sexual assault with a weapon
• Sexual offences involving minors
• Factual consent, but not legal consent

Call Us To Arrange A Confidential Consultation

Contact us for a confidential consultation at 403-234-8824 or email us for an appointment.

Strategic Representation For Murder And Manslaughter Charges

Murder and manslaughter are among the most serious of criminal charges, with some of the harshest penalties in the country. Successfully facing judge and jury cases requires highly skilled representation and meticulous preparation. With all that’s at stake in a homicide case, your choice of lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make in life.

Former Crown Prosecutors. National Reputation

At Der Barristers, our senior lawyer, Balfour Der is known nation-wide for his work in criminal law and has, alone, handled in excess of 100 homicide cases at all levels of court in Canada including the Supreme Court of Canada. Mr. Der is often sought by television, news and other media for his insights into criminal law. He has fought high-stakes, high-profile cases and appeals throughout Canada, including:

• First-degree murder
• Second-degree murder
• Manslaughter
• Criminal negligence causing death
• Attempted murder charges

For years, he worked as a Crown prosecutor before transitioning his knowledge, skills and experience into criminal defence. This dual experience is one of the foundations backing our track record of success and our ability to maintain the objectivity necessary to navigate murder cases strategically.

We also collaborate with a network of professionals, such as psychologists and forensics experts to present a comprehensive, evidence-backed defence.

Humanizing The Issues in Serious Criminal Cases

Homicide cases are lengthy and involved. The eventual outcome has the power to significantly and permanently impact your life, liberty and future. In charges as serious as first-degree murder, second degree murder or manslaughter, trust and collaboration are vital.

We thoroughly understand all that you have on the line. You have arrived at this critical point in your life. You need representation by a professional who can systematically sort through the factual, legal and human factors from all angles. If we take on your case, we become your most trusted and passionate advocate. We will draw on every ounce of our intelligence, skill, and tenacity in fighting to gain you justice.

Where possible, we can also help you make a bail application while we work on defending your case.

Call Us To Arrange A Confidential Consultation

To book a meeting with the Der Barristers team, call our office in Calgary, Alberta. You can read us at 403-234-8824 or email us for an appointment.

Defence For Firearms And Weapons Charges

The Canadian Criminal Code contains many offences related to the possession and use of weapons. A guilty conviction results in numerous impacts — a lifelong criminal record, difficulty with international travel and possible imprisonment. Yet, even police and judicial authorities sometimes lack clear understanding of the nuances surrounding gun and weapons charges.

At Der Barristers, our lawyers have practised exclusively in criminal law for decades. We understand all areas of criminal law. We have represented thousands of clients in Calgary, Alberta and across Canada. Whatever weapons charge you are facing, we can provide you with a solid, well-prepared defence.

Examining The Fine Details Of A Case

Successfully fighting weapons charges requires careful attention to the factual and legal details of each individual case. The police may also have infringed on your constitutional rights through procedural missteps or abuses of authority. Our criminal law attorneys know how to navigate through many layers of complexity.

When preparing your case, we will thoroughly examine such questions as:

• Does the device in question meet the legal definition of a weapon?
• What if you had lawful possession of a firearm prior to being charged?
• What if you used the weapon in self defence?
• Did police perform an illegal stop, search or seizure?
• What if you were intoxicated at the time of the incident?

We can also assemble a case to fight any related offences, such as drug trafficking, robbery or theft, violent crimes, homicide and sexual assault.

Our senior lawyer, Balfour Q. H. Der, is co-author of the reference work The Law of Firearms And Weapons, published by Carswell.

Book An Initial Consultation With Our Lawyers

Call our office at 403-234-8824 or email us to arrange a meeting with our lawyers. We will discuss your case and explain our services and outline a possible plan of action.

Defence In The Entire Range Of Impaired Driving Charges

While “impaired driving” is sometimes used to describe the entirety of drinking and driving charges, it is actually a separate offence in itself. Impaired driving relates to how a person is physically and does not depend on how high a person’s blood alcohol level is. In order to prove impaired driving, there must be evidence demonstrating that the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle was impaired to some degree.

Like all drinking and driving offences a conviction means a fine or possible jail time, a criminal record, increase in insurance rates and loss of your driver’s license. All of these punishments are serious and can very negatively impact your life.

Defending Impaired Driving Charges

Our senior attorneys have fought hundreds of criminal law cases throughout Calgary, Alberta, and beyond. As former Crown prosecutors, we can draw on comprehensive, objective insights that few criminal defence lawyers have. Backed by this rare knowledge and skill, we can help you face the charges with a solid, thoroughly prepared defence strategy in place. 

From minor cases to the complex, our lawyers can help you fight impaired driving and other related charges, including: 

Driving while impaired by alcohol

• Driving under the influence of recreational, illicit or prescription drugs
• Driving with blood-alcohol level over 80
• Refusing a roadside test
• Refusing a breathalyzer, urine or bodily fluid test
• Related charges, such as dangerous driving and careless driving

In cases where death or injury result, the punishment is dramatically increased – usually resulting in jail and lengthy loss of licence.

Call Us To Arrange A Confidential Consultation

Our lawyers are ready to consult on your case. Call us at 403-234-8824 or email us to arrange an appointment. 

Strategic Defence Against Specialized Drug Crime Prosecutors

Unlike most other criminal offences, drug crimes are prosecuted not by provincial, but federal, Crown attorneys. These prosecutors focus solely on drug cases and have specialized knowledge, training and tools. Conviction can come with mandatory jail sentences.

At Der Barristers, we are undeterred. Our lawyers have an uncommon advantage in criminal law— experience in both prosecution and defence. We leverage this dual background to help clients fight drug-related charges in Calgary, Alberta, and across the country.

Every Drug Crime Case is Unique

Drug charges in Canada vary — both in their nature and penalties. Predicting the outcome of a case can be challenging. Each one is fact-specific. Gaining a successful result requires close attention to fine details and meticulous case preparation.

Our lawyers are skilled in addressing the key issues. These often centre on whether the accused had knowledge, care and control of the banned substance. It may also include challenging the validity of search warrants used by police. We also work with a network of professionals, such as toxicologists, in order to gain expert evidence to support your case.

Navigating Within A Range Of Drug Offences

Our criminal defence attorneys have an extensive history in criminal defence. Over the years, our work has gained us a strong track record and reputation in national media. We have worked on cases involving all kinds of drugs, including: cocaine, crack, heroin, methamphetamines and ecstasy.

If you are entangled in a drug crime, we can help you with such offences as:

• Simple possession of drugs
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking
• Selling or importing drugs
• Cultivation/production of an illegal substance
• Crimes involving prescription medications
• Charges related to drug-impaired driving

Our goal is to work with tenacity to reduce or even eliminate the charges against you.

Talk To Our Lawyer About Your Case

Having a solid defence plan starts with an initial consultation with a criminal defence lawyer. To arrange an appointment, call us at 403-234-8824 or fill in our online form to reach us by email.

Theft, Fraud And Property Crimes — Representation Across The Spectrum

Crimes related to property run from the most minor to large-scale, international operations. The victims can be private citizens or businesses. Penalties also run the gamut — from fines to imprisonment.

At Der Barristers, we represent a wide variety of clients facing all kinds of theft and fraud charges. Some are young students and housewives. Others are business owners and high-profile professionals. All have much at stake, and conviction can easily ruin their reputations, business interests, educational opportunities and their futures.

Diversity Of Experienced to Fight Your Charge

Our lawyers know what it takes to protect our clients’ interests when facing criminal charges. In an area as wide as theft and fraud, gaining an optimal result means carefully weighing the unique details of each case.

Our criminal defence attorneys have the skill and experience to fight charges of all kinds, including:

• Shoplifting
• Burglary
• Break and enter
• Employee theft
• Robbery
• Possession of stolen property
• Money laundering and proceeds of crime
• White collar crime
• Bank, mortgage, business and other types of fraud

Defences and Options Exist

Even if you were caught in the act, pleading guilty is not the only possible course. Each case is unique. Our goal is to help you gain the best possible outcome and minimize the impact to your life.

We provide you with the information and analysis you need to make an informed decision on how to proceed. We can guide you on:

• What other options exist beside pleading guilty
• Whether you may be eligible for a diversion program
• What actions may help mitigate your charges
• How to present yourself strategically and tactfully in court

Talk Confidentially With Our Lawyers

Our theft and fraud lawyers are ready to listen to your story and provide you with options. Book an appointment today by calling our office in Calgary, Alberta, at 403-234-8824 or reach us by email.